Ravenna Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip with this comprehensive travel guide to Ravenna, Ohio. Discover the best places to visit, stay, eat, and things to do in the area.


Introduction to Ravenna

Located in the Akron Metropolitan Area, in Northeast Ohio, Ravenna is a charming town that offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy its picturesque scenery, explore its history, and immerse themselves in its local culture.

List of Places to Visit in Ravenna

Ravenna boasts a wealth of attractions that will appeal to travelers of all kinds. Some of the must-visit sights in Ravenna include:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Portage County Courthouse: Built in 1869, this historic courthouse is one of Ravenna’s most iconic landmarks. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973.

  • Midwest Railway Preservation Society: This organization operates several vintage locomotives and offers train rides on special occasions. Visitors can also tour its facilities and see its collection of railway memorabilia.

  • Kent State University Museum: Located on the nearby Kent State University campus, this museum hosts a diverse array of exhibits, from fashion to decorative arts to furniture.

Natural Attractions of Ravenna: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • West Branch State Park: This park covers over 4,000 acres and boasts activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. It also has a large lake that is popular for swimming and boating.

  • Towner’s Woods Park: This tranquil park features over six miles of hiking trails, a pond, and several picnic areas. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and families.

  • Brady’s Leap Park: This historic park commemorates the legendary leap that a wounded frontiersman named Samuel Brady made across the Cuyahoga River to evade pursuing Native Americans. Today, visitors can enjoy the park’s scenic views and hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ravenna

Ravenna and its surrounding areas offer plentiful opportunities for hiking, walking, and biking. Here are some popular routes to explore:

  • Headwater Trail: This 4.4-mile trail runs through the heart of Ravenna and is popular with walkers, bikers, and runners. It connects to Kent State University’s campus and the Portage Hike and Bike Trail on its southern end.

  • Portage Hike and Bike Trail: This 5.3-mile trail passes through Kent and connects to the Buckeye Trail and Summit Metro Parks’ Bike and Hike Trail. It traverses varied terrain and offers scenic views of the Cuyahoga River.

  • Freedom Trail: This trail links several parks in Portage County and offers a diverse range of scenery and history.

Best Things to Do in Ravenna: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and visiting historical sites and museums, visitors to Ravenna have plenty of other activities to choose from. Some of the top things to do in Ravenna include:

  • Paint and Sip Classes: Unleash your creativity and unwind with a glass of wine at one of Ravenna’s paint and sip studios. Classes are available for all levels of experience.

  • Golfing: Ravenna is home to several golf courses, including Windmill Lakes Golf Club, which has been ranked as one of the top public courses in Ohio.

  • Wine Tasting: Take a tour of one of Ravenna’s wineries, enjoy a tasting, and learn about the area’s grape-growing history.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ravenna

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Ravenna:

Day Activities
1 Visit the Portage County Courthouse and museum
2 Explore Towner’s Woods Park
3 Take a hike on the Headwater Trail
4 Tour Kent State University Museum
5 Golf at Windmill Lakes Golf Club
6 Have a wine tasting at one of Ravenna’s wineries
7 Relax at West Branch State Park

Food and Drink Scene of Ravenna

Ravenna offers a range of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pierogi: This traditional Polish dish is a local favorite. Try it filled with potato and cheese or sauerkraut and mushroom at one of the town’s Polish restaurants.

  • Burger: Many of Ravenna’s restaurants offer innovative twists on the classic burger. Try one topped with bacon jam or a fried egg.

  • Lake Erie Perch: Head to one of the area’s seafood restaurants to taste this local delicacy from nearby Lake Erie.

Local Beverages

  • Ohio Wine: Ravenna is near several wineries, such as the Troutman Vineyards, that produce excellent Ohio wines. Sample a few varieties at one of the tasting rooms.

  • Brewery Beers: Ravenna is within easy reach of several breweries that produce a range of craft beers. Visit one for a tasting and to learn about the area’s brewing history.

Where to Stay in Ravenna: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ravenna offers several accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some suggestions:

  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites: This hotel is located near the Portage County Courthouse and offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a pool.

  • The Kent Stagecoach Inn: This historic building has been converted into an elegant guesthouse with antique furnishings and modern amenities.

  • Parks Edge Cabin: Those who prefer a more rustic experience can stay in one of the cabins at West Branch State Park.

What to Buy in Ravenna: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Ravenna can take home a range of locally made products as souvenirs, such as:

  • Polish Pottery: Ravenna has a large Polish population, and several shops sell traditional pottery imported from Poland.

  • Maple Syrup: Ohio is known for its maple syrup, and several sugarhouses and farm markets in the area sell the sweet treat.

  • Vintage Finds: Ravenna has several antique shops and vintage boutiques where visitors can find one-of-a-kind treasures.

Local Culture and Customs of Ravenna

Ravenna’s culture is shaped by its history and diverse population. Visitors will find that the town is welcoming and friendly, and that local customs include celebrating Polish heritage and enjoying the outdoor activities that the area offers.

Best Time to Visit Ravenna

The best time to visit Ravenna is during the late spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are plentiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ravenna

Do:

  • Respect Local Customs and Traditions: Ravenna has a strong Polish identity, and visitors should be mindful of local customs and traditions.

  • Explore the Outdoors: Take advantage of the area’s ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Ravenna is known for its natural beauty, and visitors should dispose of their trash responsibly to help preserve the environment.

  • Ignore Traffic Laws: Drivers should be aware of local traffic rules, especially in the downtown area and around Kent State University.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ravenna

Ravenna is a safe town, but visitors should take usual precautions against crime, such as keeping their belongings secure and avoiding unlit areas at night.

Health in Ravenna

Ravenna has several medical facilities, including the University Hospitals Portage Medical Center. Visitors should ensure that they have adequate health insurance coverage.

Getting to Ravenna: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ravenna

The closest airports to Ravenna are Akron-Canton Regional Airport, which is 30 miles away, and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which is 40 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Ravenna

Greyhound operates a bus station in downtown Ravenna, connecting the town to cities throughout the region.

Other Options

Ravenna is easily accessible by car via several major highways, including Ohio State Routes 14 and 44, and the Ohio Turnpike (I-80).

How to Get Around in Ravenna

Ravenna is a walkable town, and visitors can easily explore its downtown on foot. To reach surrounding areas or attractions, visitors can use a car, a bike, or public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Ravenna: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Cleveland: Ohio’s largest city is only an hour’s drive away from Ravenna and offers a range of cultural and sightseeing attractions, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park: This national park offers over 125 miles of hiking trails, scenic railway rides, and stunning natural scenery.

  • Chagrin Falls: This charming village is only a half-hour drive from Ravenna and features a picturesque waterfall and a range of boutiques and restaurants.

Conclusion

With its natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming culture, Ravenna is a destination that has something to offer every traveler. Whether you’re interested in exploring the outdoors, immersing yourself in local culture, or just enjoying a relaxing vacation, Ravenna is a place that should be on your must-visit list.

Downtown Ravenna Downtown Ravenna Portage County Courthouse Portage County Courthouse Ravenna Stadium Ravenna Stadium